Original Message (Pre-Screened)
Category: General Diversity
Subject: American jobs suck, and we arent going to pretend.
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Americans (with few exceptions) hate their jobs. Most of the jobs you refer to offer few benefits, and you would be lucky to get above $6 an hour. With jerks for bosses, B.S. such as mandatory overtime, the 'take lunch when you're not busy' policy and one week paid vacation a year if you're lucky, you can't expect much from a U.S. worker. This may sound a little whiney, but my point is that U.S. employees hate their jobs, and with no real incentive (no raises, no or little chance of advancement, constant layoffs - during record-breaking profits, mind you), employees are only going to do the minimum to avoid being fired. Trust me, we're watching the clock the whole time.
Posted:10/27/2002
By:
Antonio M. , Miami, FL, United States , 29 , Male , Catholic , Hispanic/Latino (may be any race)
Mesg ID: 6aae17a8-971b-47ee-b6b9-470bd32dd19b
Responses:8
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Unscreened Responses
Category: General Diversity
Subject: well
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It all depends on who you run into. American has somewhere around 270million people. Surely you can't judge just by visiting one region, and running into, what, 1% or less of the population? The region I'm from is very well known for their friendlyness and helpfulness. We wave to everyone we pass, even if we don't know them. We're quick to offer help. Don't let a few bad apples spoil your view.
Posted:1/11/2005
By:
Justin , Columbia, SC, United States
Mesg ID: 710d152d-c2aa-4e10-8a2e-5b9af191a489
Responses:0
Category: General Diversity
Subject: who cares
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The doors to america are not locked so if you dont like it feel free to get the hell out!
Posted:11/28/2004
By:
April , Austin, TX, United States , 18 , Female , Straight , college student , Upper middle class
Mesg ID: c69fe8ec-1c0e-413a-b8dd-ab355fd40582
Responses:0
Category: General Diversity
Subject: Not all americans are the same
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Do not be decieved by the big towns or cities that it sounds to me like you are surrounded by. Not every American is the same way. My response to you is for you to go to a small culturally diversed town and ask the same questions that you did before.I know that the town that i live in is not like that at all. If u were to ask that question you'd get a willing response. You cannot conclude all americans as the same type. Different towns have different views, different states have different people. The U.S. is still great. You just have to get in where you fit in.
Posted:10/7/2004
By:
Nyla , Willingboro, NJ, United States , 17 , Female , Christian , Black/African American , Straight , student , High School Diploma , Middle class
Mesg ID: 76fc46c8-c0ce-454d-988d-e47e3194c3c0
Responses:0
Category: General Diversity
Subject: Looking Out for Number One
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Having visited the USA, I have found some Americans very helpful and willing to help. I have found this principle apply to Africa and Europe as well. Whiney Americans who complain that they aren't paid enough are more concerned about themselves, than their country, or their neighbour. While many are in the work force for minimum pay, cheerfulness where they are planted will for the most part make these people more employable at higher levels. Taking pride in one's work will be rewarded in life more than the one who is out for number one.
Posted:6/12/2003
By:
Arnold U , Edmonton, NA, Canada , Male , Over 4 Years of College , Middle class
Mesg ID: 04e71977-e745-4565-8c81-4814a5bc06f8
Responses:0
Category: General Diversity
Subject: Canadian jobs 'suck' as well
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Although I wouldn't go as far to say that I wouldn't recommend America as a tourst destination, I would caution a fellow Canuck about the service there. Canadian minimum wage ranges from $5.90 - $8.00 and I rarely experience terrible or blatantly rude servive at home. The jobs here are just as menial - I worked in a coffe shop on the midnight shift for 6 years getting paid $6/hr. serving customers, cleaning toilets ...being sexually harassed-and still managed to, at the very least, smile. My fiance and I went on a shopping trip to NY . While driving down, we stopped at Dennys. The waitress wouldn't even acknowledge my partner (because he's East Indian? I really don't know) and she practically threw our plates in front of us. The Host wasn't particularily welcoming either. Only once would I say we received 'good' service. At Lane Bryant the staff seemed to be reasonably knowledgeable about the clothing. People there aren't as friendly either. At home, it seems typical that people will look behind them whe going through a doorway. If someone is behind them, they will hold the door. I had TWO doors hit me (one shut hard) when some oblivious tool in front of me let it go. When I held the door for people....NOT ONE person thanked me. Will I go back? Probably. The taxes are lower there. Will I enjoy my trip? Not likely.
Posted:2/4/2003
By:
Natalie S. , Aurora, NA, Canada , 29 , Female , Deist , White/Caucasian , Straight , diasbled , High School Diploma , Lower middle class, multiple sclerosis
Mesg ID: 9910a0ae-1078-46ec-8aee-e0d3c4bf0ce5
Responses:0
Category: General Diversity
Subject: In addition...
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..to what has been already said, as a former Disney employee I can tell you a bit more about where this animosity (real or implied) comes from. In training, we were told to 'think for the tourists since they leave their brains at the terminal.' Sometimes, it goes a bit too far. To illustrate, there is a legend (don't know if it's true) that is rampant in the parks. It says that Joe Peschi (sp?) came up with his Leathal Weapon character by watching a Disneyland employee tell people where the bathroom was while the sign was perfectly visible nearby. As in,'ok. ok. they're over there. ok. ok.' Such unprofessionalism as you speak of is inexcusable regardless of the low pay, lousy hours, lousy benefits, overbearing management, et al. No wonder there is a high turnover rate amongst the theme park attractions. I'd like to know where it was that you were wronged. And, it's not just to tourists (domestic or foreign), but to locals as well. In this current climate, it is uncertain where the next paycheck, however meager, is coming from. So, out of fear and frustration, tounge lashings happen. Not an excuse, but perhaps an explanation.
Posted:1/8/2003
By:
KCE , Orlando, FL, United States , 27 , Female , White/Caucasian , scientist , 4 Years of College , Lower middle class
Mesg ID: 49a2c85e-fb6a-4156-a5e0-0d6e8b0724f6
Responses:0
Category: General Diversity
Subject: Not Every American Hates Their Job
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Bernice, I'm sorry to hear your trip has been so lousy. Depending on where you are in the U.S., you could get the red carpet rolled out, or the door slammed in your face. I believe it is the same in many other places, as I have traveled a bit. But that makes me think, have you been stuck in a single place for those 6 months, or have you been traveling around. Have you been to Fort Collins Colorado, where people leave their doors unlocked and can leave their bicycle out front of a store and it will still be there when they return. What about Vermont, where you can stop at a farm stand, and make your own change at an 'Honor System' register. Not to mention the everyday nice people that are out there. Years ago, a business colleague who is also from South Africa, (He Jokingly dubbs himself a 'Real' African American), had told me of how he came to be an American. He came here on business trips regularly, to various U.S. locations, and decided to move here, at that point he had been here about 10 or so years. So my point is: Perhaps you haven't seen enough of America yet, is that possible?


Antonio, I know you stated there are exceptions, but I have to be the voice of those exceptions. First off, not everyone hates his or her job. Not everyone watches the clock. You sound like you are not happy with your job, Im sorry to hear that. Would you like some very simple advice?...Make yourself more valuable. Either go back to school, or learn a trade. Basically, gain some knowledge that makes you more marketable at whatever it is that you do, or would like to do. Therein lie a better paycheck, perhaps some benefits and a little more respect. I'm thinking your 29, so you should have a plan, right? If you do, and your plan is sound, things will get better, keep working hard. If you don't, start working on one today...your 29! And in ten years you'll be 39, how long does it feel since you were 19? Went fast didn't it, 39 will come twice as fast. Make a plan, set up some goals, and keep your eyes on the prize. Whatever you do, do it well and the job will need you more than you need the job.
Posted:1/6/2003
By:
Dave , Long Island, NY, United States , 34 , Male , White/Caucasian , Straight , Technical , Technical School , Middle class
Mesg ID: d55c3461-0adf-4da3-b552-079919624f2e
Responses:0
Category: General Diversity
Subject: Not an excuse
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Just because Americans 'hate their jobs', it is no excuse for rude behavior and a lack of pride in work. The customer should not pay for your poor choice in employment.

You complain that due to poor wages and lack of benefits explain this attitude, but the wages and benefits that they are receiving are higher than anywhere in the world.

Quit complaining and do your job, or get some training in another field.
Posted:10/31/2002
By:
Robert S. , Seattle, WA, United States , 33 , Male , White/Caucasian , Straight , 4 Years of College , Middle class
Mesg ID: a933bea0-ba70-49ad-a882-7a9951c22ab9
Responses:0
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